[Location: Raven Lily’s Private Tower – Level 99 Penthouse, East Quadrant]
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows framed a sweeping view of Neo-City’s electric skyline. Raven Lily stood at the edge, a wine glass in one hand, dressed in a backless silk gown that shimmered like liquid onyx. Her hair was coiled in a loose twist, revealing the tattoo at the base of her neck: a black lily with circuitry petals.
She was waiting.
Not for Zayn.
For the response.
Her interface blinked.
[Song Jie: System Override Failed. Subject ZAYN: Escaped. Physical Damage Confirmed. Viral Payload Rejected.]
She sipped her wine and smiled faintly.
“Predictable.”
Behind her, the doors hissed open. A figure stepped in—Dr. Caleb Vire, her new tech strategist. Formerly the Lu Corporation’s blacklisted AI specialist.
